You are here > Explore > AONB
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
Explore North Devon
Stay
What's On in North Devon
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here > Explore > AONB
Classic Cottages has the perfect self-catering holiday home waiting for you in north Devon. From…
Collection of luxury treehouses and retreats with hot tubs in North Devon Escape and hide from…
Croyde Bay Resort is nestled behind the sand dunes of the world class Croyde Beach and just minutes…
Ruda Holiday Park offers you one of the most spectacular views in Devon, beautiful Croyde Bay. The…
Braddicks Holiday Park is an award-winning, self-catering Holiday Park in Westward Ho!, North…
A lovely AA 4 star inn, built in the 18th century. It lies astride the 14th century quay with…
Don’t miss out on this multi award winning, all-weather day out for the whole family. The Milky Way…
Clovelly, North Devon. Welcome to a different world! The picturesque, ancient, fishing…
Collection of luxury treehouses and retreats with hot tubs in North Devon Hideout Treehouse is…
The North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) represent a stunning section of the coast which is nationally protected to preserve the beauty of its landscape. Situated in the heart of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the AONB covers 171 km2 of coastal landscape. The lowest point can be found at Northam Burrows, with the highest point at Berry Down near Combe Martin across from the Hangman Cliffs on Exmoor.
The AONB’s coastal boundary varies from low to high water marks across the site and extends out to the South Tail sandbank on the mouth of the Taw Torridge estuary. The Hartland Heritage Coast, North Devon Heritage Coast and Braunton Burrows, where the Biosphere is located, are also covered by the AONB, so you are never too far from the site when visiting North Devon.
The coastal setting of the North Devon AONB and the features of its landscape make it an attractive place to visit and there are gorgeous panoramic views across both land and sea at various points across the site. The site provides a wonderful backdrop to the many businesses and accommodation options in North Devon, allowing for a closeness to nature alongside beautiful sand beaches, calming woodland and heritage areas.
The areas that cover the Heritage Coast remain largely undeveloped so that the region retains its historic legacy and gives visitors the chance to learn more about the region’s heritage. Despite being designated as an area of importance, there remains a high level of public access throughout the North Devon AONB, with the South West Coast Path running along its entire length, the National Trust managing large sections of the land and there being public beaches and sand dunes which are open all year around.
The North Devon AONB contains a diversity of scenery, landscapes and habitats, enhanced by its rich and varied wildlife. In spring, woods full of bluebells and displays of hedgerow primroses are spectacular, but for those who wish to explore further, there are numerous rare and protected species and sites to discover. The North Devon AONB works to promote and protect the area’s biodiversity and geodiversity, environmental quality and climate, historic environment and natural landscape character.
The landscape around the AONB varies from wild coastal cliffs, waterfalls, rocky coves, sand dunes, beaches, valleys, villages and just about everything in between. As an official AONB, the area is committed to conserving the outstanding wildlife, landscape and heritage of the region, while also supporting sustainable development for the communities that fall within the AONB.
Find out more about the North Devon AONB and the work that they do to conserve and enhance this beautiful section of coast on their website, here: www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk
Number of results: 102
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Clovelly, Bideford
A lovely AA 4 star inn, built in the 18th century. It lies astride the 14th century quay with commanding views in every direction. It was originally a beer house for…
Family-run and boasting over 45 years of experience in the industry, Classic Cottages knows exactly what makes a memorable holiday, whether you’re looking forward to a…
Braunton
Marsdens Devon Cottages is on the 29 truly-local brands bought together within the Original Cottages family.
Original Cottages is the UK’s leading, independent,…
Bideford
Clovelly, North Devon. Welcome to a different world
The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England. …
Braunton
Ruda Holiday Park offers something for everyone. With Devon’s stunning beach, Croyde Bay, on your doorstep, the golden sand beaches, spectacular coastline and the best…
Barnstaple
Calvert Trust Exmoor is the South West’s premier outdoor activity destination for people with all types of disabilities, welcoming over 4,000 guests a year with the…
Bideford
Braddicks Holiday Park is an award-winning, self-catering Holiday Park in Westward Ho!, North Devon, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and…
Barnstaple
At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank.
The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
Bideford
Reconnect with nature and your loved one and escape to The Cosy Cowshed at Sleepy Owl Devon. Unwind amidst stunning Devon countryside, dramatic coastline, and fresh country…
Bideford
Expect the most spectacular views of the coast from the hilltop setting of the park at Bideford Bay Holiday Park. Enjoy basking in the sunshine whilst relaxing by the…
Clovelly, Bideford
You'll find fantastic fun for the family at The Milky Way - the only attraction in Devon to win TripAdvisor’s highest accolade, a Travellers' Choice Award, in 2016, 2017,…
Saunton, Braunton
The Dining Room
The Dining Room at Saunton with its AA-rosette status and enviable views of miles of world biosphere dunes and beach, is oozing art deco glamour. Open for…
Barnstaple
At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and…
Barnstaple
Tarka Trail Camping is a quiet, family owned and run, dog friendly campsite nestled on the beautiful Tarka Trail beside the River Taw Estuary, perfect for walking and cycling…
Woolacombe
Rockham Bay near Ilfracombe, locally known as Mortehoe Beach, is a secluded beach nestled in a bay backed by rocky cliffs. Accessible only at low tide, the beach reveals a…
Lynton
Self catering holiday lodges set in a wonderful location overlooking Exmoor, five minutes from the sea at Lynmouth, perfectly situated to explore the stunning coastline,…
Milton Damerel, Holsworthy
Set in the heart of the North Devon countryside, the Visit England four star Woodford Bridge Country Club is a rural retreat with a 15th century thatched coaching inn at its…
Lynmouth
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the UK's only fully water powered railway and bronze winner of Devon's Large Attraction of the Year 2018. Built in 1888, it remains…
Explore Devon and Cornwall by train and enjoy stunning coastal views, rolling green countryside, wooded valleys and river crossings.
Hartland, Bideford
Hartland Quay with its hotel and bar is situated on The South West Coast Path in easy reach of the A39 Atlantic Highway. Midway between the coastal towns of Bideford and Bude…
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company